What will happen

If you’re affected, your Housing Benefit will go down to make sure that the total amount of benefit you get isn’t more than the cap level.

If you’re already getting benefits and could be affected by the cap you’ll be contacted by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). They’ll let you know what will happen to your benefits.

If you’re seeing a Jobcentre Plus adviser, Work Programme or Work Choice provider, they’ll continue to help you look for work and get skills you may need for a job.

Use the Benefit Cap calculator at: https://www.dwpe-services.direct.gov.uk/portal/page/portal/bcc/lp, find out if you’ll be affected, and how much your benefits could go down by.

The DWP has set up a Helpline to help answer questions about the cap. The number is 0845 605 7064 (8am to 6pm) or textphone 0845 608 8551 for people with hearing or speech impairments. However, the Helpline will only be able to signpost you to your local authority for housing options advice, or to Jobcentre Plus for help in finding work.